Green light for game-changing extension at school in Kilkenny

Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board have been granted planning permission from Kilkenny County Council for significant development at Coláiste Mhuire, Johnstown, County Kilkenny.

The proposed works involve the construction of a new standalone extension measuring 3,879.1 square metres.

The building, which ranges in height from one to two storeys, will provide extensive educational facilities.

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These include 13 general classrooms, 11 Special Education Teaching (SET) rooms, two science laboratories with a preparation room, and a home economics room.

Other specialist areas will include a textiles room, an engineering room with preparation space, an art room with a project store, and a graphics room with a project store.

Additional features include a staff room, kitchenette, library and a general purpose hall, alongside ancillary and circulation areas.

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The development also proposes the creation of a new access road, set-down areas, pedestrian crossing and shared surface linking to the existing one-way system.

Plans include 64 cycle spaces and 17 car parking spaces.

Further elements of the application include new wall-mounted signage near the main entrance, the construction of an ESB substation and switch room, a foul pump station and soakaway, and compounds for LPG, bin storage and heat pumps.

Landscaping and other ancillary site works also formed part of the proposal.

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Permission was granted by Kilkenny County Council subject to 15 conditions.

Amongst the conditions is that the applicant “shall maintain and operate a mobility management plan for the proposed development to manage school traffic and visitor movements to and from the development.”

Another is that “electric vehicle charging facilities shall be provided at both main car parking locations within the development.”

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Prior to commencement of works on site, the applicant is also advised of its duty to enter into an agreement with Uisce Éireann to provide for a service connection(s) to the public water supply and wastewater collection network and adhere to the standards and conditions set out in that agreement.

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